Retreat Amenities

Electricity: Plenty for all needs.

Spring Water: Fresh drinking water.

Showers: Available by reservation (small fee).

Hot Tub & Riverside Cold Plunge: Relaxation options for all temperatures.

Cell Service & Starlink Internet: Stay connected.

Cozy Comforts: Warm blankets, comfy pillows, and inviting common areas.

Safety: Emergency kit and wilderness first aid on-site.

A detailed packing list will be emailed to participants in early March. Here’s a sneak peek at some essentials to bring:

Backpack

Sunscreen & Sun Hat

Journal

Hiking Shoes & Water Shoes

Waterproof Jacket & Layers

A Can-Do Attitude 😊

Electrolyte Drink: ie: Nuun, Liquid IV, Skratch labs.

Ascend gradually: Avoid traveling from a low elevation to an elevation higher than 9,000 feet (2,750 m) above sea level in one day. If possible, spend a few days at 8,000–9,000 feet before traveling to a higher elevation. 

Drink water: Dehydration occurs faster at higher elevations because of the low humidity levels at altitude. 

Get enough sleep: Your body works hard to repair itself and flush out toxins when it is asleep. 

Limit alcohol and caffeinated beverage intake: Limit alcohol and caffeinated beverage intake. 

Use sun protection: Use sun protection. 

Bring layers: Bring layers. 

Ouray is located in the beautiful San Juan Mountains. Enjoy hot springs, endless views, and cozy coffee shops, gorgeous trails before and/or after the retreat. Here is a link https://www.visitouray.com/ for more information.

Airports nearby:

Telluride: 50 miles to Ouray

Montrose: 40 miles to Ouray

Grand: Junction: 95 miles to Ouray

Denver: 330 miles to Ouray

Durango: 70 miles to Ouray

We’re so excited for you to join us at 11,000 feet! To make the most of your time, here’s a little of what to expect:

The Journey In
Your adventure begins with a 2.5-mile hike along a jeep road, gaining 1,600 feet of elevation. It’s a moderate climb, but don’t worry—there’s a gear haul to transport your luggage. You’ll just need a day pack with essentials like water, snacks, and layers for Colorado’s famously unpredictable weather.

Fitness Expectations
A moderate fitness level will help you fully enjoy your time at the lodge. Think: of being able to hike uphill for a couple of hours at a steady pace. But don’t stress! We’ll provide exercise tips and other helpful recommendations during our Zoom calls leading to the retreat.

Be Prepared, Stay Comfortable
Colorado weather can be full of surprises, so pack smart! Your day pack should include:

Stay Connected and Supported

We’re here to help you feel prepared, connected, and ready for an amazing experience!

Before the Retreat
To ensure you’re fully ready for your adventure, we’ll host several group Zoom calls. These are a great chance to meet everyone, ask questions, and get tips for the hike, packing, and acclimatization. We’ll also create a WhatsApp group so we can stay connected and share updates before and during the retreat.

After the Retreat
The journey doesn’t end when you leave the lodge! To help you integrate what you’ve gained, we’ll provide tools, follow-up calls, and check-ins. These resources are designed to help you bring the insights and inspiration from the retreat into your daily life.

We will meet as a group at the parking lot located by Camp Bird. Directions from Ouray are here: Parking Lot.

The parking lot is 5 miles from Ouray. Please ensure you have downloaded the directions as wifi may be limited.

Topo Map route to the lodge is here: Map provided by CalTopo. View the approach route map here.

Please note: We will ask that participants arrive promptly at 1 pm to ensure we have enough time to hike to the hut and that you feel prepared with your essentials and last-minute needs. The hike will roughly take between 2-3 hours.